The Split of the Structure: An Analysis
In Hoppe’s 1999 drawing - "The Split of the Structure," Susan is caught between two opposing forces: the rules of the Manor, which demand conformity and stillness, and the internal drive to chase her own inspiration, to break free. Her physical posture in the artwork captures this conflict, and the surrounding sketches and theoretical notes reveal the deeper meaning behind her angles, gestures, and presence. Each element of her pose is laden with symbolism, translating both her struggle and the greater forces at play in the Manor.
The Contraposition of Limbs: Symbolic Angles
Susan's pose is defined by her angular limbs, particularly her left knee and her arms. Her left knee, angled at a partially perpendicular position, symbolizes the Manor's structure. The leg points toward the observer, indicating her alignment with the rules of the Manor, but simultaneously a point of tension—almost as if it was ready to spring away at any moment. This acute angle suggests that she remains partially anchored in the rigidity of the rules.
In contrast, Susan's left arm is formed into an acute hexagonal angle, while her right arm forms a more relaxed, pentagonal obtuse angle. The acute angle represents the Manor's influence, while the obtuse symbolizes a deviation from its structure—a symbol of rebellion and divergence. Yet, the acute overlaps the obtuse, implying that the Manor's rigid control stifles her movement, and therefore her expression. Her left arm, hooked across her opposite shoulder, forms a stable triangular structure—one that both supports and restricts her, like a brace or anchor, reinforcing this tension.
The blanket Susan holds with her obtusely angled arm is also symbolic. It represents a comfort or complacency she must overcome. (In the painting version of this piece, the blanket is adorned with a dragon). For Susan, for the pentagonal angle to prevail is to symbolically slay the dragon, to free herself from the blanket, and to follow the light she turns towards.
The Role of Light and Shadow
The treatment of light and shadow in the piece speaks to Susan's struggle. There are constant curves defined by the interplay of direct and reflected light across her body—her thigh, her knee, and her face. The curve of light is broken by the barriers of shadow, as if the tension between clarity and obscurity mirrors her internal conflict. The reflected light illuminates her thigh, revealing a form that refuses to be wholly consumed by darkness—a symbol of her desire to create, even under the weight of suppression.
The light source that Susan is turned to look towards is significant. It is understood to originate from the bathroom, across the hall (on the 7th floor), and into Susan's cracked open door. This triangulation of light is key—it represents her path forward, out of her darkness and towards enlightenment.
The 137.5° angle mentioned in the notes appears to reflect a greater natural or universal order. The angle is found in nature—in the pattern of leaves, the divergence of branches, and even in cosmic cycles. By incorporating this angle into Susan's form, her struggle is connected to something archetypal and eternal, hinting that her search for freedom is part of a larger cosmic dance. The acute and obtuse forms, with their interplay of angles, suggest a movement larger than herself, as if her pose invokes growth and change.
Susan is suspended in a moment of decision—tied between staying within the confines of what she knows and breaking free to pursue something unknown.
The Contrapposto of Prophets
The notes mention that the contraposto of Susan's limbs corresponds to the prophets' order, connecting her struggle to a lineage of those who have faced similar choices—those who were tasked to "walk the truth" while being confined by the structures of their worlds. Her posture, meant to be read "bottom to top," suggests an inversion—a deliberate subversion of the natural order, where she attempts to rise against the weight pulling her down. Her hair, with its "smaller than definable" curves, hints at a power she possesses that is intangible, yet immense—something that drives her towards enlightenment, even when she is restrained.
Conclusion: The Geometry of Rebellion
"The Split of the Structure" is an exploration of balance, rebellion, and the innate tension between creation and constraint. The geometry of her body is not just a visual device, but a narrative one—each angle, curve, and shadow speaks to the larger cosmic and psychological forces at play. In this composition, Susan's struggle becomes universal, and her desire for enlightenment is a reflection of humanity's endless quest for freedom.
An Analysis written by Viola